Balad party member Dr. Omar Said was released from prison after completing his 7-month sentence for aiding an illegal organization. "My release proves that my arrest was politically-motivated. When it comes to Arabs the Shin Bet is quick to pull the trigger," Said told Ynet.

Said was initially suspected of serious security offences as part of an espionage affair involving Ameer Makhoul, but was eventually convicted of a lesser charge as part of a plea bargain. (Sharon Roffe-Ofir)